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Trump’s latest warning to introduce an further complete levy on items imported from China has been labeled a “typical example” of American hypocrisy, per the Chinese government.

A representative of the ministry additionally remarked that China could enact its own undisclosed “responsive actions” if the US President carries out his threat, adding that the country was “not afraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Trump retaliated at the Chinese government’s action to tighten its regulations for foreign shipments of rare earths, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “hostage”.

Additionally, he threatened to cancel a scheduled talks with China’s President President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in Seoul in the coming weeks.

The former president’s remarks on last Friday unsettled financial markets, with the benchmark US stock index dropping nearly three percent, marking its steepest fall since earlier this year.

These statements renewed fears of a commercial dispute between the two economic giants.

In May, the both nations had consented to drop high import duties on each other’s goods, which had raised the prospect of trade halting between the two countries.

As a result, United States levies on Chinese imports subject to an extra 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while items from the United States entering the Chinese market are subject to a 10% tariff.

Beijing’s recent statements – published by the Ministry of Commerce in the format of written responses to media inquiries – echoed rhetoric from the peak of the recent trade conflict.

Officials denounced United States controls on electronic components while defending the country’s own export controls on rare earths as “standard procedures” to protect domestic safety and that of every country.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, abused foreign shipment regulations and “adopted biased policies against Beijing.

“Turning to” tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with the Chinese government,” the spokesperson stated.

“China’s position on a tariff war has always been consistent: we are not seeking one, but we are not afraid of one.”

The previous week, Beijing revealed it was tightening foreign shipment restrictions on key elements and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a important measure, as the nation handles about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are employed in products such as solar panels and handheld devices.

The recent comments from the US and China are being viewed by observers as a method of bolstering negotiating stances prior to upcoming negotiations.

It is unclear whether a summit between Trump and Xi Jinping, planned at a summit in the Republic of Korea before month’s end, will go ahead.